MI5 Identifies Two Chinese Spy Profiles Targeting UK Officials on LinkedIn Amid Escalating Espionage Claims

London, UK – Britain's domestic intelligence agency, MI5, has issued an urgent espionage alert to UK lawmakers and parliamentary staff, warning that Chinese intelligence officers are using fake recruitment profiles on LinkedIn to target individuals with access to sensitive information. The accusations have been vehemently denied by Beijing, which labeled the claims as "pure fabrication" and "malicious slander," according to reports. This development has significantly heightened tensions between the two nations, prompting British lawmakers to reconsider upcoming official visits to China.

The MI5 alert specifically highlighted two online profiles, identified as "Amanda Qiu" and "Shirly Shen," believed to be operating as headhunters on behalf of Chinese intelligence services. These operatives are allegedly engaging with UK political figures and professionals to "collect information and lay the groundwork for long-term relationships," as stated in the warning. The use of professional networking sites and cover companies is a key tactic in these alleged espionage efforts.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis confirmed that the targeting extends beyond parliamentarians to include parliamentary staff, economists, think-tank employees, and government officials. He emphasized that Chinese agents are seeking "insider insights" and attempting to cultivate individuals who could provide confidential documents or be compromised through methods like all-expenses-paid trips to China and potential blackmail.

In response to the allegations, the Chinese embassy in London lodged "stern representations" with the UK government. A spokesperson for the embassy urged the UK to "immediately stop this self-staged charade of false accusations and self-aggrandisement, and stop going further down the wrong path of undermining China-UK relations." The embassy maintained that the claims were entirely baseless.

The UK government has pledged to counter these threats, with Minister Jarvis announcing a new Counter Political Interference and Espionage Action Plan. This plan includes enhanced security briefings for political parties, tighter oversight of political funding, and the removal of surveillance equipment from sensitive UK government sites that are subject to China’s National Intelligence Law. The incident follows a recent collapse of a high-profile espionage case involving two British men accused of spying for China, further complicating the already strained diplomatic relations.